President Reagan lists six steps for returning excellence to American education: restore discipline, end drug and alcohol abuse, raise academic standards, encourage good teaching, restore local control, and teach the basics. (MD)

The author contends that a voucher system including private schools would allow greater access to quality education and broaden curricular options while reducing the costs of central school administration and ultimately of welfare and crime. (DM)

A conversation with Larry Cuban, Professor Emeritus of Education at Stanford University, about two contradictory trends in education: customization and standardization and their effect on the public schools' responsibilities to provide both individual and social benefits. (PKP)

Focuses on the application of a targeted and regulated voucher system to the problems of racial segregation. Suggests that under a regulated voucher system, minorities (Chapter 1 students, in particular) have a better chance of obtaining both the racial balance and the school characteristics they desire. (Author/GC)

Examines the assumptions that educational vouchers will mean less state control over education, more choice for parents, and education that serves the child's best interest. The assertion that a voucher system will lead to more efficient and effective schools is examined in the light of five educational goals. (CMG)

Research on educational choice suggests that students do better in schools that their families choose, that this is especially true for lower income and disadvantaged students, and that permitting choice does not adversely affect racial balance but may actually promote racially balanced schools. (Author/GC)

As public schools are failing inner-city children, school choice offers a promising solution. This paper presents research that shows how school choice (public, private, or parochial) has a positive effect on minority, inner city children, noting that school choice is the only reform mechanism that would offer schools immediate and measurable…

The theme of the conference reported on here was school reform and related issues. An introductory statement, "Thoughts on School Reform," by Jerome Bruner, and a list of conference participants are followed by a group of papers on education and politics. The papers are "Reform and Partnership in Education," by Albert Shanker;…

The report of the presidential Advisory Panel on Financing Elementary and Secondary Education presents the panel's philosophy, describes current problems, and recommends (1) returning financial autonomy to state and local levels, (2) dismantling the Department of Education, (3) deregulating public schools, and (4) encouraging school-based…

The article reviews the National Governors Association recommendation to allow parents to choose the public schools their children attend. Included are U.S. Secretary of Education William Bennett's comments on the recommendations and comments by other concurring educators. The role of school boards as elected representatives of the community is…

Provides a legislative view of the development of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Plan mandated for the city of Milwaukee, placing this initiative in the context of the educational needs of African American children. Argues that legislators must target the complex needs of poor and ethnic minority students in urban schools. (AF)

The states are at a crossroads in their important responsibilities in education. The 1980s saw intense interest in school reform, but results were often sparse. In the 1990s, the states will need to challenge the lethargy of local school systems and educational establishments. Outlines strategies for pushing schools toward excellence. (AF)

Discusses Milwaukee's (Wisconsin) project for school choice. Describes the program of public funding for private schools, vouchers, and parent-run schools for African-American and Hispanic students. Cites autonomy, small class size, and values instruction as advantages of the small private schools. Reports graduation rates are higher and reading…

Recommendations for national child care policy are offered. It is recommended that the Federal Government, in partnership with the states, expand subsidies to support low-income families' use of high quality child care programs and arrangements. In partnership with the states, the Federal Government should expand Head Start and other compensatory…

This report presents a review conducted by a multinational panel on educational policy in the United States. The report concentrates on compensatory programs in elementary and secondary education, with an emphasis on Title I programs. Topics covered include: (1) recent trends in American education; (2) the philosophy, operational design, and…